Cruising Japan Kyushu

Sendai 31.50 north 130.12 east

The Sendai river has been divided in two by the ever popular high concrete wall. This way the port does not silt up and the fishing fleet have a safe harbour. Once again we tied up to an uninviting disused wharf, putting out plenty of fenders. The tidal range was about 1.5 metres so at low tide our view was of the busy crabs on the walls andit was impossible to see land from the deck. We have a ladder which helps exiting at these wharfs, but I find it a bit daunting.
After we were secure we did our usual stroll around the area..."hey you guys, where are you from, I'm Malaysian" came a voice. We turned around and met Chai and enjoyed another one of those unexpected experiences. Chai is a busy man who flys arounds visiting the various branches of his business.He was as happy to spend the evening talking English as we were. He drove us into town, took us to a beautiful restaurant, where we dined in style, gave us access to his office computers for weather reports. And the next morning he was gone to another part of japan.
A macgregor 26ft yacht arrived as we were having morning coffee and Brian went to help with the ropes and invited the owner over for coffe.
Hiromi arrived, wearing a big smile, clutching a big book and with his brain desperately trying to dredge up any english he had learnt at school 60 years ago. The book was a very upmarket atlas on japan and after proudly showing us where he had sailed from and where he was going, Hiromi presented us with this marvelous book. Later in the day Hiromi caught the bus to Kagoshima and his anxiously awaiting family.
We off loaded our cycles and explored for as long as the heat would allow, before returning to Charioteer.
As we sat enjoying a cool drink and some shade Jiyoji (aka George) arrived for a look see.....and this became another of those very special experiences. Jiyoji is a film director and during our time in Sendai we were priviledged to see a sample of work from this talented person. Jiyoji and his daughter Kyia really spoilt us..taking us on a visit to an extra ordinary temple at the top of a hill, giving us access to his computer for weather reports, taking us to the supermarket, arriving bearing the most delicious fritters....crumbed camerbert fried.....yummy. Jiyoji celebrated his birthday while we were here so I cooked a chocolate and walnut cake which we served complete with candles. Another enjoyable evening in very enjoyable company.
In between Hiromi coming and going to Kagoshima and always returning with another special delicay for us to sample, Jiyoji and Kyia spoiling us we met a merchant seaman who had fond memories of his times spent in New Zealnd ports and was keen to return the kindness he had recieved. We were inundated with fresh homegrown vegetables and fruit plus he arranged for us to buy diesel at fishermens prices !!!!!
Due to the weather we stayed in Sendai longer than we intended. But the company was so good we were not complaining. What we didn't enjoy was the sand blown onto Charioteer during the strong winds....the cockpit began to resemble a sandpit!!!!!!!! and we were happy at lowtide for the opportunity to use our washdown hose to clear the stuff away.
Fukuoka was calling and it was with regret that we cast off our lines and continued our journey